Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial agent and had a notable impact on immune activation by the reduction of circulating activated immune cells that including decreased TLR-expressing cells, reduced IFN-secreting plasmacytoid dendritic cells, reduced production of inflammatory cytokines including interferon alpha, IL-6 and TNF alpha. Recent studies showed hydroxychloroquine had a benefit for renal remission and could retard the onset of renal damage in patients with lupus nephritis.